I have a question as it pertains to both the Oath of Enlistment for the Armed Forces, and the Oath of Office as it pertains to Law Enforcement or any public official. I've spent the last 16 years in the Marines and am getting ready to enlist in the Louisiana National Guard. In addition to that, in a few months time, I will be swearing in as a Deputy Sheriff, also in Louisiana. I not sure if there are any other members of the military or public office here, if there are maybe they can help, but my question is in regards to the last four words of both these oaths; 'so help me god'. Being a Satanist, I can't swear an oath to a god I don't believe in, so how do I handle that part? I've been considering simply shutting my mouth when it comes time to recite that part. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

It's hardly going to affect you, or at least it shouldn't and, it will curtail any problems you are likely to have if you 'take a stand'. It's important to understand that there is no 'us v.s. them' dynamic in Satanism and, there is no tribunal of Satanists to rain down fiery punishment on your head for playing 'by the rules' of 'polite' society.

Pride, is only as good as the positive change it produces for you. When pride begins to interfere in a negative manner you can be assured that counter-productive pride is looming on the horizon.

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. That I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

You also swear to defend the Constitution and part of that is the first amendment. Interesting, isn't it?

My take on the oath (16 years Air Force) is that it is easy enough to recite it all. Every bit of the oath is binding and punishable if I fail to perform... except the last part. There are no lightening bolts that strike, no judgment forever more. The last part is a guilt trap to act as a catch all. You see, the majority will falter if they attempt to circumvent the oath because they believe in some sort of deity. I do not - therefore saying the last part is meaningless whether I say it or not.

I do, however, say it all because the officer swearing me in is most likely a Christian who can cause waves. Others might disagree with my thought process, but I am not concerned. Either way I walk away with a smile on my face and they are none the wiser.